Punjab is hosting the Hero Asian Champions Trophy for the
first time, welcoming six national teams for the ninth edition of the
continental tournament. India, Bangladesh, China, Japan, Malaysia and South
Korea will compete for the title, with the league stage beginning in Jalandhar
on 27 October and running until 2 November. The tournament will then move to
Mohali for the semi-finals and final on 4 and 5 November, respectively. All
matches are open to spectators free of charge
As part of the Punjab Government’s preparations for the event, Hyderabad-based
Great SportsTech Limited has carried out thorough maintenance of the playing
surfaces at both venues: the Olympian Surjit Singh Hockey Stadium in Jalandhar
and the Olympian Balbir Singh Senior International Hockey Stadium in Mohali.
Through everyday use, dust and debris settle into a synthetic pitch, slowing
the ball and holding back water that should drain away. The crew used Horger
machines built specifically for hockey turf to lift and groom the pile, extract
the build-up and restore drainage. They also checked the seams and inspected
the pipelines on both pitches, so the surfaces give players the pace and true
roll they expect at the top level.
Jalandhar has a personal link for the company, which laid the stadium’s
FieldTurf surface in 2023. That same pitch will now host India’s title defence,
beginning with the opener against Bangladesh. The venue carries meaning for the
squad too, as several Indian players developed their game here.
With both pitches ready, attention now turns to the competition. Over ten days,
six nations will compete for continental honours in a state that has given
India generations of athletes. For local fans, the tournament offers a rare
opportunity to watch Asia’s best teams up close. For young players across
Punjab, it is a chance to witness the highest levels of the game, draw
inspiration from international athletes and see what dedication and hard work
can make possible. Beyond the tournament, the experience could leave a lasting
impression on the next generation of hockey players, inspiring them to pursue
the sport and aspire to compete at the highest level.